Shravakachar Ka Mulyatmak Vivechan - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Shravakachar ka Mulyatmak Vivechan" by Dr. Subhash Kothari:

The book "Shravakachar ka Mulyatmak Vivechan" (A Value-Based Analysis of Householder Conduct) by Dr. Subhash Kothari, published by Z_Shwetambar_Sthanakvasi_Jain_Sabha, explores the fundamental principles and practices of Shravakachar (the code of conduct for Jain householders).

The author begins by emphasizing the significant contribution of Indian civilization and culture, particularly its religious and spiritual environment, to the world. In Jainism, the core of spiritual practice is Achara (conduct). This conduct encompasses vows and rules that foster qualities like non-violence (Ahimsa), forgiveness (Kshama), and non-possession (Aparigraha) in an individual's life.

Jainism divides this conduct into two primary categories:

Sadhavachar: The conduct of ascetics who are free from all worldly attachments.
Shravakachar: The conduct of householders who, while not entirely free from worldly ties, strive for liberation through partial adherence to vows and regulations, cultivating a mindset of vows, rules, and renunciation.

The term Shravaka itself is a "technical" term in Jain philosophy, derived from the Sanskrit root "shru," meaning "to hear." A Shravaka is someone who faithfully listens to the teachings of the Nirgranthas (ascetics) and practices them to the best of their ability. The author further breaks down the word "Shravaka" into three components:

Sha (श्रा): Signifies devotion to the truth (Tattvartha Shradhan).
Va (व): Inspires charitable giving with discernment (Vivekyukta Dan).
Ka (क): Indicates the destruction of karmic sins through service (Seva Bhavana). Therefore, a Shravaka is a blend of faith, discernment, and action.

The text traces the historical development of Shravakachar in Jain scriptures. The Sutrakritanga Sutra is mentioned as an early text referring to Shravakas and Shramanoopasakas. The Sthananga Sutra details five Anuvratas (minor vows) and three Manorathas (aspirations) for Shravakas. The Samavayanga Sutra describes eleven stages of spiritual development for Shravakas through Pratimas (vow stages). The Upasakadashanga Sutra is highlighted as the sole representative text elaborating on Shravakachar, detailing the daily life, twelve vows, rules, and Pratimas of Shravakas.

Subsequently, numerous scholars from both Shvetambara and Digambara traditions have contributed to the literature on Shravakachar. Key among them are:

Umaswati's Tattvartha Sutra
Hemchandra's Yogashastra
Acharya Jawaharlalji's Grihasth Dharma
Acharya Samantabhadra's Ratnakaranda Shravakachara
Somdev Suri's Upasakadhyayan
Pandit Ashadhar's Sagar-dharma-amrita

The book then delves into the general rules for becoming a Shravaka, emphasizing the importance of practical skills alongside spiritual pursuit. According to the Acharyas, a person must first cultivate qualities like earning wealth ethically, abstaining from sinful actions, adhering to good conduct, being curious about listening to religious teachings, showing proper respect to guests, being discerning, humble, and compassionate. These practical virtues are considered the gateway to spiritual practice, and only after successfully embodying them can one progress to observing vows.

The core of Shravakachar lies in the Twelve Vows, divided into three categories:

Five Anuvratas (Minor Vows):
- Ahimsa (Non-violence): Shravakas vow to abstain from Sankalpi Hinsa (violence with intent). While householders may cause unintentional violence due to their occupations or societal responsibilities, they must act with discernment. The five transgressions (Aticharas) of Ahimsa are binding, killing, mutilation, preventing food/drink, and overburdening. These are also considered offenses in modern society. This vow promotes ethical and social behavior, contributing to self-protection and industrial progress.
- Satya (Truthfulness): Abstaining from false speech concerning property, cattle, land, or trusts. Shravakas avoid gross falsehoods that harm society or self-respect, as well as truthful statements that cause pain to others. The five transgressions include making accusations without thought, slandering private conversations, giving false sermons, and issuing fake checks or drafts, all of which are illegal and unethical today. This vow fosters truthful and affectionate speech, uplifting society.
- Asteya (Non-stealing): Not taking anything without permission. This applies to public resources as well. The five transgressions include buying stolen goods, aiding thieves, violating state laws, adulterating goods, and cheating in weights and measures, all of which are crimes. The vow promotes honesty and responsibility towards humanity and the nation.
- Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity): Restraining sensual desires. Householders are expected to remain content with their lawfully wedded spouse and abstain from relations with others. The transgressions include relations with prostitutes, unnatural sexual acts, marrying off children, and harboring strong sensual desires. The text notes the societal impact of immodesty, fashion, and the spread of diseases like AIDS, linking them to the breakdown of chastity and referencing the ancient Jain prohibition of homosexuality. This vow strengthens family peace and mutual trust.
- Aparigraha (Non-possession/Limitation of Possessions): Setting limits on the use of food, wealth, servants, land, and possessions. While householders cannot be completely non-possessive due to societal needs and future security, they must define a limit for their possessions. This is crucial as excessive possession leads to conflict and inequality. The author relates this vow to Mahatma Gandhi's concept of trusteeship and Vinoba Bhave's principle of stewardship, highlighting its relevance to socialism, coexistence, and equality.
Three Gunavratas (Augmenting Vows): These vows reinforce the Anuvratas.
- Disa Pariman Vrata (Limited Area of Movement): Setting boundaries for travel in all directions. Transgressions include exceeding these limits, increasing them without reason, or forgetting them.
- Bhoga Pariman Vrata (Limited Consumption of Enjoyable Things): Setting limits on the consumption of daily use items like food, clothing, etc. The Upasakadashanga Sutra lists 21 such items, while the Shravaka Pratikraman Sutra mentions 26.
- Anartha Dand Viraman Vrata (Abstaining from Useless Harm): Abstaining from causeless violence, harmful weapons, preaching sinful acts, and promoting wrong paths. Transgressions include indecent speech with humor, distorted bodily gestures, pointless chatter, and excessive accumulation of possessions. This vow prevents purposeless harm, even extending to wasting water or plucking plants unnecessarily.
Four Shikshavratas (Training Vows): These vows are for spiritual upliftment.
- Sāmayika (Equanimity for a Fixed Period): Maintaining equanimity similar to an ascetic for a set duration.
- Deshavakashika (Limitation of Time and Place): Reducing the scope of activities and abstaining from temptations outside the limited area.
- Paushadha Upavasa (Observance of Fasting and Observances): Observing complete fasts and spiritual practices at a place of worship.
- Atithisamvibhaga (Distribution to the Worthy): Offering pure food to deserving individuals to the best of one's ability.

These Shikshavratas are related to the spiritual development of the soul and foster human service, participation, cooperation, and a sense of social duty towards the needy.

In conclusion, the author reiterates the immense importance of these twelve vows in fostering love, cooperation, mutual understanding, and brotherhood among individuals. They are instrumental in making individuals social beings. The householder plays a dual role: engaging in their own spiritual practice and overseeing the spiritual pursuits of ascetics. By recognizing their duties and adopting these vows, individuals can contribute to social harmony. The text concludes by listing its reference works, underscoring the academic basis of its exploration.